Physics and music technology in degree courses

If you are interested in studying a degree course which combines your interest
in physics and music tech, it is important to recognise the difference between
the different university courses on offer.

Similar sounding audio engineering courses are actually very different

There are (broadly) two types of audio degree courses:

1. A science or engineering degree that enables you to design products (e.g.
headphones, code audio software), advise architects (e.g. acoustics of concert
halls and studios) or carry out research in audio. At University of Salford,
the degree course is BEng
Audio Acoustics following either the pathway in Audio Technology or Acoustic
Engineering. To be able to do research and development you need to be good at
physics and mathematics and you should study these at A-level (or equivalent).

2. A degree course that enables you to become a sound or recording engineer,
or audio technician working in studios, for broadcast companies and in live
venues. At University of Salford, the degree course is BSc
PSVT. Such courses give you a good knowledge of technologies, but do not
have sufficient mathematical and scientific content to allow you to get a job
in research and development in the audio and acoustic industry. You will spend
significant time learning how to produce sound.

Physics and music tech

When looking for degree courses to combine your interests in Physics and Music
Technology, look very carefully at course content. We have a steady stream of
enquiries from people who have completed a degree courses from category (2)
at other Universities, and are now trying to find a way of getting into research
and development in the audio and acoustic industry, but they just don't have
the maths and physics skills needed.

Salford or Southampton?

The longest running acoustic degrees in England are in Salford and Southampton. The National Student Survey (NSS) allows the two courses to be compared. See Acoustics Salford or Southampton?